Chandos presents the first volume in a new series of British Clarinet Sonatas, featuring the exclusive Chandos artist Michael Collins in works by Bax, Bliss, Howells, Ireland, and Stanford. He is accompanied by the pianist Michael McHale. Their 'Lyrical Clarinet' disc received much praise, among others from BBC Music which noted: 'It's hard to imagine this program better played than it is here by Collins and McHale... technically impeccable.'

"Collins and pianist Michael McHale certainly make the best possible cases for all five of them, fluently allowing the melodic lines to follow their natural curves, and never pressing or asserting themselves too much." -The Guardian

MusicWeb International, June 2012Collins and McHale make a convincing case for these attractive scores. One senses that Collins is a sensitive musician. He certainly has impressive breath control and produces an attractive timbre. McHale is a poised player who provides sympathetic support and never overpowers the clarinet.